Last updated on July 31st, 2023 at 09:06 pm
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) happens to be what controls your car’s airbags system. It was developed to help your car’s seatbelts as an additional support system for your safety.
This means that whenever the airbag light of your car appears on your instrument cluster in your dashboard, it simply means there’s an error via the airbag system.
This could be cursed by anything from broken wires, damaged airbags, bad connections, or even a faulty control unit.
You need to always inspect the SRS system and replace it even if you haven’t been involved in an accident.
Experts recommend that you inspect your airbags every 10 years since this has sensors and wiring systems all through your car and will wear down.
It doesn’t mean you should replace the system, but it’s vital that you examine them and ensure everything is working as it should. see this Guide on VW airbag light reset without the tool and this post on What is the cause Mazda 6 airbag light flashing
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So Is It Illegal To Drive With Airbag Light On
The answer is NO, it not illegal to drive your car with the airbag light in however, it isn’t safe to drive with your airbag light ON because the airbag light is an indication that there’s an issue with your airbag system. what this means is that in the case of an accident, the airbag may or may not be deployed and this can be hazardous or lead to death even.
Whenever there’s an issue, especially during an accident the airbag system will not be deployed. So I recommend you repair the problem immediately. This might cause death or serious injuries once the airbag system is not working well. also read this Can You Sell A Car With Deployed Airbags
How To Bypass Airbag With Resistor
Bypassing the airbag light that is on by yourself can save you the time of taking your car to the mechanic. Here are steps to take to bypass it:
Step 1
Use your key to turn on your ignition switch. You can find your switch beside the steering wheel, which has four positions: that is the on, off, start and accessories.
Though some cars have two off positions, the first one lets your key to be removed from the car ignition system while the second lets you to turn off the car.
Step 2
Allow the airbag system warning light to turn off. It might take about seven seconds. Now turn the ignition off one second once the airbag light has turned off.
Step 3
Now you should turn the car ignition switch back off for more than three seconds.
Step 4
Next, repeat steps 1 to 3 two times, which makes it three times total.
Now you should turn back the ignition switch on for the airbag light to be fully reset.
Anytime you start the car, the airbag light system should turn on for about seven seconds before finally turning off.
What Can Cause The Airbag Light To Come On?
Note there could be lots of reasons why your airbag light system will be illuminated. Below are some of the most common reasons:
#1. Your Airbag System Needs Resetting
In case you have been involved in an accident, and the airbags did not deploy, it means your airbag light will become illuminated. It means the airbag needs to be reset at your local garage.
#2. Corroded Sensors
In case the car has sustained little water damage, it could be that the sensors have been corroded.
If this is the case, it would create an error in the system and cause your airbag light to turn on.
#3. A Depleted Battery
Whenever your car’s battery is drained, your car airbag backup battery system can be depleted causing the system to report an error.
#4. Dislodged Wiring
In case your car has side airbags, it means that sometimes the error can come from the side airbag via the passenger’s side.
Note that the wires on that airbag can be damaged or even dislodged whenever the passenger’s seat is moved forwards and backward.
Once you observe that a plug is disconnected, and then we recommend that you shouldn’t try plugging it because this could trigger the airbag. Take your car to a local garage for a checkup.
#5. Faulty Seat Belt
This might be an issue with your seat belt sensor. Note that sometimes your car sensor which detects if you have fastened the car’s seat belts can become faulty.
So whenever this happens, this can trigger the airbag light to turn on.
#6. The Airbag Clock Spring Needs To Be Replaced
Remember that the spring coils found on your steering wheel is meant to continue maintenance between the driver’s airbag and the wiring.
As you use it, the spring can fail or become worn, which causes the airbag warning light to become illuminated.
Will Disconnecting Battery Reset Airbag Light?
The answer is yes. But there’s a need to wait for a minimum of five seconds to pass. After that, then it will be ready for you to reconnect the negative terminal.
But ensure that you reset the sensor by turning on the battery in your car. But once the airbag sensor warning light is out, then it means that it has been reset.
How To Reset Airbag Light With Scanner
There’s the possibility to reset your airbag light on your car using a scanner, this will save you from visiting a mechanic.
This is because your airbag light can only illuminate on your car dashboard after the vehicle has been involved in an accident and the airbag didn’t deploy. To reset the airbag with a scanner, take these steps:
Step 1
Insert your key into the ignition system and turn the switch to an on position.
Step 2
Next, watch for the airbag light to turn on. This light will stay illuminated for about seven seconds and then turn off.
Once it has shut off, you should turn the switch off immediately and wait for three seconds.
Step 3
Now, do steps 1 and 2 two more times.
You can start your engine. Now the SRS light should turn on for about seven seconds, and then it will shut off and stay off. Once this happens, the airbag light has been reset.
Conclusion
As said before, it isn’t too safe to drive with your airbag light ON. Note that whenever the light is on, then there’s an issue with your airbag system. One common reason for your airbag lights turning on is due to something interfering with your car seat belt switch.
However, one of the best methods to reset the airbag light is by using an OBD2 scanner tool.
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Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
